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BTC → GIU
Which side of the plane to sit from Batticaloa Airport (Batticaloa) to Sigiriya Air Force Base (Sigiriya)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior as it typically provides a direct and dramatic view of the Sigiriya Rock fortress and Pidurangala during the descent, alongside coastal views of Pasikudah shortly after takeoff.
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Pasikudah Bay
Distant views of the famous crescent-shaped turquoise bay and the northern coastline.
Mahaweli River
Sri Lanka's longest river visible as it winds through the thick jungles of the northeast.
Minneriya National Park
A bird's-eye view of the park's scrub forest and the massive Minneriya Tank reservoir.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The world-famous 'Lion Rock' standing 200m high, usually visible on the right during the final approach.
Pidurangala Rock
The neighboring massive granite peak, often providing a sense of scale to Sigiriya.
The right side is the clear winner for the final five minutes of flight. To catch Sigiriya Rock, look out as soon as the plane begins its descent into the GIU base. Best viewed during mid-morning when the sun illuminates the rock's western face. Keep your camera ready on a high shutter speed as the approach over the forest canopy happens quickly.
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Batticaloa Lagoon
Aerial views of the massive lagoon systems and the Kallady Bridge immediately after departure.
Unnichchai Tank
One of the largest irrigation reservoirs in the Eastern Province, showcasing ancient engineering.
East Coast Paddy Fields
Vast, vibrant green agricultural landscapes that stretch toward the interior plains.
Maduru Oya Boundary
The southern edge of the flight path skims the forest reserves where wild elephants often roam.
Knuckles Range Silhouette
On clear days, the distant blue peaks of the Central Highlands are visible to the southwest.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to see the sunrise reflecting off the Batticaloa Lagoon. While it misses the primary view of the Rock, it offers a broader perspective of the island's flat dry-zone geography and massive man-made tanks. Use a polarized lens to cut through the tropical haze often present over the inland reservoirs.
Get eSIMs for Sri Lanka
Get eSIMs for Sri LankaDistance: 108 km (67 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 min
Departure: BTC (7.705760000000001, 81.678802)
Arrival: GIU (7.956669807430002, 80.7285003662)
Route Type: Domestic
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